What are the causes of thyroid enlargement?
Sep 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Goiter may be caused by factors such as insufficient iodine intake, compensatory hyperplasia during puberty, simple goiter, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. In daily life, maintaining a regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "routine" or "daily habits"), avoiding excessive fatigue, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive or insufficient iodine intake are advised.
Generally, thyroid enlargement may be caused by factors such as insufficient iodine intake, compensatory thyroid hyperplasia during puberty, simple goiter, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the underlying cause and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Insufficient iodine intake: Iodine is an essential component for synthesizing thyroid hormones. A lack of iodine in the daily diet can lead to insufficient thyroid hormone production, thereby stimulating thyroid hyperplasia and enlargement. Iodine can be supplemented by consuming iodized salt, and foods rich in iodine such as seaweed and laver.
2. Compensatory thyroid hyperplasia during puberty: During puberty, the body's metabolism is active, and the demand for thyroid hormones increases, which may lead to temporary compensatory thyroid hyperplasia and mild enlargement. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, and the condition usually resolves naturally after puberty without special treatment, provided that proper nutritional balance is maintained.
3. Simple goiter: Iodine deficiency or abnormal iodine metabolism can cause diffuse hyperplasia and enlargement of thyroid tissue, typically without significant functional abnormalities. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, or L-thyroxine sodium tablets to inhibit thyroid hyperplasia and improve the swelling condition.
4. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones stimulates thyroid tissue hyperplasia, leading to thyroid enlargement, often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations and excessive sweating. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or carbimazole tablets to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis and alleviate symptoms.
5. Thyroiditis: For example, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which abnormal immune responses attack the thyroid tissue, causing inflammation and enlargement of the thyroid gland, possibly accompanied by abnormal thyroid function. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, prednisone tablets, or methylprednisolone tablets to regulate thyroid function and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, partial thyroidectomy may be performed to relieve pressure symptoms.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine, avoid excessive fatigue, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid excessive or insufficient iodine intake. Regular monitoring of thyroid function is also recommended, and if symptoms such as neck discomfort or worsening swelling occur, timely follow-up visits are necessary to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
